Midland College Volleyball Earns 2026 AVCA Team Academic AwardJuly 23, 2026

Midland College Volleyball has been recognized with the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, marking the program's first time earning the honor since 2023.

The AVCA Team Academic Award recognizes volleyball programs across the nation that maintain excellence in the classroom while competing at a high level on the court. To qualify, teams must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale during the academic year. The Lady Chaps had a cumulative GPA of 3.73 for the 2025-2026 school year.

"Our student-athletes work hard every day to meet the demands of college coursework while competing at a high level," said Midland College Head Volleyball Coach Kristina Gafford. "They take pride in their academic success, and I couldn't be prouder of what they have accomplished."

The award highlights Midland College Volleyball's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and personally. Balancing the demands of collegiate athletics with coursework requires focus, time management, and determination, all qualities that continue to define the Chaparral volleyball program.

The academic achievements of the Chaparral volleyball team were evident throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. Eleven student-athletes earned Midland College President's List or Dean's List honors, including Mia Bell, Julia Paluch, Noa Reculard and Ksenija Sokic, who earned President's List recognition in both the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters with perfect 4.0 grade point averages.

Additional President's List honorees included Iasmin Araujo, Julia Klimowicz and Ipek Kusoglu in Fall 2025, along with Ludovica Masoch and Luisina Sandrone in Spring 2026. Dean's List honorees included Jaycee Portillo, Hailey Reyes, Laura Romao and Luisina Sandrone in Fall 2025, and Iasmin Araujo, Ipek Kusoglu, Laura Romao and Eduarda Silva in Spring 2026.

"At Midland College, we expect our student-athletes to pursue excellence in the classroom just as they do in competition," said Forrest Allen, Midland College Athletic Director. "Earning an AVCA Team Academic Award is a significant accomplishment, and our volleyball program has set a strong example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work."

The AVCA Team Academic Award has recognized volleyball programs for more than three decades and includes institutions from high school through collegiate levels across the United States. With the honor, Midland College Volleyball joins 1,432 high school and collegiate volleyball programs across the country recognized by the AVCA for outstanding academic achievement during the 2025-2026 academic year.